I am not a freak! Well, at least if I am a freak, then I have found hundreds of people like me who are freaks too! :) It was amazing to hear things that I have told people for years coming out of so many people's mouths today! God has really encouraged me today in the work that I do. He has also made amazing contacts that I am still in awe!
Seven years ago when we adopted Noah, I said that the church is the answer to the Orphan crisis and that GOd is stirring His people! Well today, I know that is so true! I was in a room with hundreds of people who say the same thing and are seeking God for what role they have to motivate the Body of Christ to be the answer and answer the cry of the Orphans here in the US and around the world!
I am sure there will be many blog posts to come about these two days, but for right now, here are some quotes from the speakers I heard:
Dennis Rainey
"Proclaim the needs of the orphans"
"Be a person who can see circumetances through the eyes of God & believe for a lot with just a little bit."
Leveredge one another's strengths. It is about all of us working together. Check your egos and your logos at the door! (I LOVE that one!)
"The church is the key!"
"We are never closer to the heart of God than when we care for those who can do nothing for us!"
As you start a church ministry for adoption, expect opposition, petiness, people to be people, BUT expect God to rase up a huge army to fight!
President of Christian Orphan Alliance
"We are cutting against everything the world says is valuable - but it creates an awe and wonder that thew orld will take notice."
Rob - who spent 14 years of his life in a US orphanage before aging out
"He [Jesus] got betrayed by people he should've been able to trust. That one I understand."
Eternal life doesn't matter to some one who doesn't know if they will live to be 21. But the idea of spiritual water that woudl sooth the soul got his attention.
Emily Chapman Richards
"The world woudl be in shock and awe as an undivided church rise to the ocasion."
"It's a priviledge to care for orphans."
Lightning - my newest friend! He is 17 and came home from Liberia 3 years ago...an amazing young man..and he spoke tonight
"Adoption became a word of hope and a prayer of all our hearts."
Dr. Moore
"What is at stake is not simply human life....what is at stake is the gospel of Jesus Christ."
"Joseph of Nazarus adopts a baby and changes the world."
We must communicate that this is not just about building families; it is about standing before the demonic powers asking to sift the children like wheat and say, "I don't think so!"
To develop an adoption culture, you must have people who will seek the wisdom of God to order their lives, have people who will allow God to direct their steps - they have to be wiling to let go of the American dream.
Adoption means adjusting to a new home - such it is always with orphans like us - there is always a part of us wanting to return to the squaller from which we came because it is more comfortable than being in a home with a Father.
"adoption teaches us about spiritual warfare"
sorry for any typos...my eyes are just about crossed, so I am going to be now to try to shut down my brain!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
AA Girl Update
The birth mom was going to be presented two families last night, but I don't know if she chose. Agency asked me if I had a letter and photo to send. I said yes, but would have to ask hubby before I sent it.
Do you know how hard it is to be at an Orphan Summit with EVERY talk being about how the church is the answer, and we must step up to the plate knowing God has put adopting another baby on my heart and there is a little girl possibly needing a home?! Sometimes I think God just likes to play cruel jokes, but then I remember that the Word says that God is good all the time! It also says His ways are NOT my ways! AMEN!!
Will find out tomorrow if she picked a family and will know if that door is closed or not. Oh, and the agency doesn't take credit cards...there goes my answer for the money I guess that is good, since we wouldn't have the money to make the payments probably anyway. I wonder if I walk up to the table for Lifesong or Abba Fund, they would just give me the money?! ha! If it is God's plan, He will make it work. So I am trying to cease striving and just know that He is God!
Do you know how hard it is to be at an Orphan Summit with EVERY talk being about how the church is the answer, and we must step up to the plate knowing God has put adopting another baby on my heart and there is a little girl possibly needing a home?! Sometimes I think God just likes to play cruel jokes, but then I remember that the Word says that God is good all the time! It also says His ways are NOT my ways! AMEN!!
Will find out tomorrow if she picked a family and will know if that door is closed or not. Oh, and the agency doesn't take credit cards...there goes my answer for the money I guess that is good, since we wouldn't have the money to make the payments probably anyway. I wonder if I walk up to the table for Lifesong or Abba Fund, they would just give me the money?! ha! If it is God's plan, He will make it work. So I am trying to cease striving and just know that He is God!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
"AA Girl"
"AA Girl" that was the title of an e-mail in my inbox today. I had a similar e-mail the week before Easter. I ended up responding to the previous e-mail with "we can't do that right now." But ever since then, I have been really contemplating all God has been telling me about adopting again. The feeling, the voice, the urgency just gets stronger and stronger. I have walked this road twice before; I know this pattern. But ALL circumstances say this would be the worst time to adopt again...probably why God is saying, NOW, right?!
Well, the e-mail today is for a precious baby girl who is already born...5 days old. The family wants a family that already has AA members somewhere. The fees are reasonably low for domestic...but they might as well be a million $'s! But I am still praying for a miracle. John hasn't said no, and he is graciously praying about her. I thought of her all the way to Dallas (we are in Dallas for the Orphan Summit). I thought of what it would be like to see her for the first time. I wondered what they have named her already. I wondered why they have decided to place her for adoption. I wondered what she looks like....I pictured Callie holding her (Callie has had many dreams about us getting a baby and has asked me repeatedly when we are adopting a baby girl!), I pictured myself getting up to feed her at night...I LOVE night time feedings when it is just me and the baby!
But then I try to shut it all off as I doubt she is mine. She is already born, I have no paper work with me to give to the agency, and I will not be back home until Sunday afternoon. I am sure she will find a home by then, which means she is not meant to be in our family....but I can't dismiss that "What if?!" I wonder sometimes why I have this ache to adopt again when I have four precious children, but I do have this ache...a very specific "ache"! AA baby girl! I know boys are not mine, I know cauc situations are not mine, but an AA baby girl comes up and my heart leaps. John swears I am trying to fill some unknown void, but I can honestly say that I would be perfectly content...and was with my four until God stirred my heart with the need to pray for our next child's mother and then again in my kitchen shortly after when I heard "Letting Go" by Barlow Girl. This has gone on for right at a year now. When it first started, I kind of felt the same way John did...why Lord? We have plenty! :) But now, I desire the baby! Its not just an act of obedience, it would be fulfilling the desire of my heart!
So for now I guess I will go to sleep and dream about my little girl...then I will wake up in the morning ready to go hear about how other people are workingt to care for the world's orphans and get motivated to keep up the work we are doing in Liberia and our efforts to expand!
Well, the e-mail today is for a precious baby girl who is already born...5 days old. The family wants a family that already has AA members somewhere. The fees are reasonably low for domestic...but they might as well be a million $'s! But I am still praying for a miracle. John hasn't said no, and he is graciously praying about her. I thought of her all the way to Dallas (we are in Dallas for the Orphan Summit). I thought of what it would be like to see her for the first time. I wondered what they have named her already. I wondered why they have decided to place her for adoption. I wondered what she looks like....I pictured Callie holding her (Callie has had many dreams about us getting a baby and has asked me repeatedly when we are adopting a baby girl!), I pictured myself getting up to feed her at night...I LOVE night time feedings when it is just me and the baby!
But then I try to shut it all off as I doubt she is mine. She is already born, I have no paper work with me to give to the agency, and I will not be back home until Sunday afternoon. I am sure she will find a home by then, which means she is not meant to be in our family....but I can't dismiss that "What if?!" I wonder sometimes why I have this ache to adopt again when I have four precious children, but I do have this ache...a very specific "ache"! AA baby girl! I know boys are not mine, I know cauc situations are not mine, but an AA baby girl comes up and my heart leaps. John swears I am trying to fill some unknown void, but I can honestly say that I would be perfectly content...and was with my four until God stirred my heart with the need to pray for our next child's mother and then again in my kitchen shortly after when I heard "Letting Go" by Barlow Girl. This has gone on for right at a year now. When it first started, I kind of felt the same way John did...why Lord? We have plenty! :) But now, I desire the baby! Its not just an act of obedience, it would be fulfilling the desire of my heart!
So for now I guess I will go to sleep and dream about my little girl...then I will wake up in the morning ready to go hear about how other people are workingt to care for the world's orphans and get motivated to keep up the work we are doing in Liberia and our efforts to expand!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
My Song
So this is my song right now:
Building 429 - Alway
I was standing in the pouring rain one dark November night
Fighting off the bitter cold when she caught my eye
Her face was taught and her eyes were filled, and to my surprise
She pulled out a photograph and my heart just stopped inside
She said, "He would've been three today
I miss his smile, I miss his face"
What was I supposed to say, but
CHORUS
I believe always, always
Our Savior never fails
Even when all hope is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
He will be with you always
He was living in a broken world, dreaming of a home
His heart was barely keeping pace when I found him all alone
Remembering the way he felt when his daddy said goodbye
Fighting just to keep the tears and the anger locked inside
He's barely holding onto faith
But deliverance is on its way, cause
CHORUS
I believe always, always
Our Savior never fails
Even when all hope is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
He will be with you always
Friend, I don't know where you are and I don't know where you've been
Maybe you're fighting for your life or just about to throw the towel in
But if you're crying out for mercy, if there's no hope left at all
If you've given everything you've got and you're still about to fall
Well hold on, hold on, hold on, cause I believe always, always
Our savior never fails
Even when all faith is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
Always, always,
He will be with you always
Then I would have to add a verse:
They send me notes and call my phone
Parents weary of the news and feeling all alone
Their hearts are broken and they just want their children home
But all I have to offer is my feeble attempt to explain that
I believe always, always
Our Savior never fails.
Even when all faith is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
Always, always
He will be with you always.
Building 429 - Alway
I was standing in the pouring rain one dark November night
Fighting off the bitter cold when she caught my eye
Her face was taught and her eyes were filled, and to my surprise
She pulled out a photograph and my heart just stopped inside
She said, "He would've been three today
I miss his smile, I miss his face"
What was I supposed to say, but
CHORUS
I believe always, always
Our Savior never fails
Even when all hope is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
He will be with you always
He was living in a broken world, dreaming of a home
His heart was barely keeping pace when I found him all alone
Remembering the way he felt when his daddy said goodbye
Fighting just to keep the tears and the anger locked inside
He's barely holding onto faith
But deliverance is on its way, cause
CHORUS
I believe always, always
Our Savior never fails
Even when all hope is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
He will be with you always
Friend, I don't know where you are and I don't know where you've been
Maybe you're fighting for your life or just about to throw the towel in
But if you're crying out for mercy, if there's no hope left at all
If you've given everything you've got and you're still about to fall
Well hold on, hold on, hold on, cause I believe always, always
Our savior never fails
Even when all faith is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
Always, always,
He will be with you always
Then I would have to add a verse:
They send me notes and call my phone
Parents weary of the news and feeling all alone
Their hearts are broken and they just want their children home
But all I have to offer is my feeble attempt to explain that
I believe always, always
Our Savior never fails.
Even when all faith is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
Always, always
He will be with you always.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Wow!
Just like God to kick me in the tail right after I post a piti-party post like my last one. Received this in my e-mail today....don't know who the original author is, but it leaves no room for excuses!
Our family experienced a year of extreme trauma and loss in 2008. In the midst of it all we stood firm on the promise that God would never leave us or forsake us. We praised Him in the midst of sorrow. We praised Him in the midst of confusion. We praised Him no matter what was going on because for years we had declared that our God was a good God. When the hard times come you have opportunity to take your experience with the Lord to a higher level of trust. He is not only good when we understand it all....He is good when we don't understand any of it. Loving God with everything you have is more than theory or philosophy...it is a way of living. I have learned so much more of God's love and provision through difficulty than I would have ever learned otherwise. It is easy to give the enemy place and justify our sin. Bitterness, anger, and other destructive behavior can enter in and take us down quickly. I thank God for His faithfulness and the presence of the Holy Spirit on my life.
Our family experienced a year of extreme trauma and loss in 2008. In the midst of it all we stood firm on the promise that God would never leave us or forsake us. We praised Him in the midst of sorrow. We praised Him in the midst of confusion. We praised Him no matter what was going on because for years we had declared that our God was a good God. When the hard times come you have opportunity to take your experience with the Lord to a higher level of trust. He is not only good when we understand it all....He is good when we don't understand any of it. Loving God with everything you have is more than theory or philosophy...it is a way of living. I have learned so much more of God's love and provision through difficulty than I would have ever learned otherwise. It is easy to give the enemy place and justify our sin. Bitterness, anger, and other destructive behavior can enter in and take us down quickly. I thank God for His faithfulness and the presence of the Holy Spirit on my life.
Monday, April 13, 2009
blahhhh
Just a blah day. Don't want to do anything. Want to pretend Liberia doesn't exist. Want all the problems associated with adoption and Liberia to go away. Just want to go to a deserted island with my children and live out our days there playing in the sun and collecting shells.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Siiiiiiiigh......
More puke! Now John has it! I am sick of stomach viruses! Go away!
Let me just say that I know how selfish this sounds/is, but I say this is a transparent look at my life...so you get the good, the bad and the very ugly! I am so bummed that he is sick tonight! See I got an e-mail in my inbox today. Ever since I started pricing fences to get the pool fence, I have stopped looking at domestic situations and concentrated on the foster care issue.
Well, the e-mail I got was for an African American baby girl due in July here in Texas. It is a little higher than what I had wanted to do even in a domestic adoption, but I just keep thinking that no matter the cost, a child is worth it! I don't hesitate to pay that much for a car that will run out and eventually break down. The car will be ashes when the fire hits it, but the life of this child will be eternal! Read post below for simple explanation of that analogy!
John hates these e-mails! It really stretches him to think about having another child. There are days it does me too, but I love babies and children! John doesn't have that burning desire like me, so I appreciate that he is willing to pray and consider that perhaps God is calling us to this even thought he, John, would not choose this for us. However, talking about it is hard. For one thing, finding time when we can both sit down and talk with out interruption when we still have brain cells left (which we usually neither one do by bed time!) is so difficult. Well, tonight, the big kids are with John's parents. The little ones go to bed at 8, so we were planning to sit and talk about it tonight to see if we feel called in anyway to pursue this situation.
There is one part about this situation that keeps going through my mind....the mother went to abort her, but she was too far along! Ouch! I hear my government teacher from high school saying, "These pro-life people better be ready to put their money where their mouth is and raise these babies that aren't aborted." I'm ready! I will put my money where my mouth is! Bring her to me! I would take in an unlimited number of children to save them from being murdered before they are born! But that doesn't mean this baby is mine, either.
So I sit...wondering....dreaming...trying not to think of the possibilities....trying not to fall in love with her already....trying to be truly open to God's will...and at the same time wondering where in the world we would get that kind of money to pursue the adoption! But then I know story after story of how God provided, so I would pursue her in a heart beat in faith that God will take care of the rest...I just have to know this is His will! I want it to be His will so badly that I don't know that I can be fully objective....that is why I really do rely on John to say yes or no! I just need him to not be puking so we can talk about it!
Let me just say that I know how selfish this sounds/is, but I say this is a transparent look at my life...so you get the good, the bad and the very ugly! I am so bummed that he is sick tonight! See I got an e-mail in my inbox today. Ever since I started pricing fences to get the pool fence, I have stopped looking at domestic situations and concentrated on the foster care issue.
Well, the e-mail I got was for an African American baby girl due in July here in Texas. It is a little higher than what I had wanted to do even in a domestic adoption, but I just keep thinking that no matter the cost, a child is worth it! I don't hesitate to pay that much for a car that will run out and eventually break down. The car will be ashes when the fire hits it, but the life of this child will be eternal! Read post below for simple explanation of that analogy!
John hates these e-mails! It really stretches him to think about having another child. There are days it does me too, but I love babies and children! John doesn't have that burning desire like me, so I appreciate that he is willing to pray and consider that perhaps God is calling us to this even thought he, John, would not choose this for us. However, talking about it is hard. For one thing, finding time when we can both sit down and talk with out interruption when we still have brain cells left (which we usually neither one do by bed time!) is so difficult. Well, tonight, the big kids are with John's parents. The little ones go to bed at 8, so we were planning to sit and talk about it tonight to see if we feel called in anyway to pursue this situation.
There is one part about this situation that keeps going through my mind....the mother went to abort her, but she was too far along! Ouch! I hear my government teacher from high school saying, "These pro-life people better be ready to put their money where their mouth is and raise these babies that aren't aborted." I'm ready! I will put my money where my mouth is! Bring her to me! I would take in an unlimited number of children to save them from being murdered before they are born! But that doesn't mean this baby is mine, either.
So I sit...wondering....dreaming...trying not to think of the possibilities....trying not to fall in love with her already....trying to be truly open to God's will...and at the same time wondering where in the world we would get that kind of money to pursue the adoption! But then I know story after story of how God provided, so I would pursue her in a heart beat in faith that God will take care of the rest...I just have to know this is His will! I want it to be His will so badly that I don't know that I can be fully objective....that is why I really do rely on John to say yes or no! I just need him to not be puking so we can talk about it!
What a quote!
I have been looking for blogs on foster care, so I checked out my friend Amy's from an adoptive mom yahoo group I belong to. They have just been through a trying foster ordeal! But since John and I are praying about it, I wanted to read more about it. I process things so differently than John, and it makes times like this very stressful at our house!
When Amy's blog came up, I looked at her title bar and saw this quote. It has haunted me ever since:
"Sometimes I'd like to ask God why He allows poverty, famine, and injustice in the world when He could do something about it...but I'm afraid God might ask me the same question." -Anonymous
wow! That says it all!
Go check out Building the Blocks, you will be blessed!
When Amy's blog came up, I looked at her title bar and saw this quote. It has haunted me ever since:
"Sometimes I'd like to ask God why He allows poverty, famine, and injustice in the world when He could do something about it...but I'm afraid God might ask me the same question." -Anonymous
wow! That says it all!
Go check out Building the Blocks, you will be blessed!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
my new obsession..
I have always loved material....but stink at sewing! I have made one outfit for Callie, and John forbid me from ever sewing clothes again! So I moved to scrap booking because now they have amazing paper! I love all the colors, designs, etc. But now they have ribbon that is gorgeous! Hobby Lobby just came out with a line that is the same as scrapbook paper! So I am back to making bows for Ava to match her outfits and having a blast! I didn't dress her all up with matching stuff when she was a baby like I did Callie. It was during that time that I had my worst bouts with depression and barely had enough umph in me to get her dressed, much less all dolled up!
Then we went to a craft show and saw these flip-flops...so I have started making them! It lets me do something with all the fun ribbon! I made Callie and I some too, but I didn't take a picture of them. I have missed crafting! But I am still struggling from the lack of sleep as I had to stay up until 1 am to have time to do these!Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month
April 2009 is Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month
State Of TexasOffice of the Governor
Children are the embodiment of innocence and hope for the future, and every child deserves to grow up in a nurturing environment, free from harm and fear. Sadly, however, child abuse is a reality, a problem we must relentlessly combat through awareness and action.
Every responsible person will agree that even one abused child is too many. Yet our state's child protection caseloads are evidence of the shameful fact that child abuse is a widespread issue in Texas. All responsible Texans must do what they can to resolve this pervasive issue.
There are ways we can make a difference. Children's advocacy groups and social workers across the state work to create safe, happy and healthy environments for Texas' children, and, through education and awareness, to discourage child abuse. When abuse or neglect does occur, individual citizens have a duty to report it to the appropriate authorities.
Once again, the month of April has been designated for an educational campaign. At this time, I encourage all Texans to join me in renewing our commitment to preventing child abuse and learning what we each can do to promote the safety and well-being of children. Their success is Texas' success.
Therefore, I, Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim April 2009,
Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month
in Texas, and urge the appropriate recognition whereof.
In official recognition whereof, I hereby affix my signature this the 18"' day of February, 2009
That's great, Mr. Perry! Now can we change some laws to keep kids in the system from being abused in their foster homes?? Or make a system where this is less likely to occur than if we leave them in their abusive home?
State Of TexasOffice of the Governor
Children are the embodiment of innocence and hope for the future, and every child deserves to grow up in a nurturing environment, free from harm and fear. Sadly, however, child abuse is a reality, a problem we must relentlessly combat through awareness and action.
Every responsible person will agree that even one abused child is too many. Yet our state's child protection caseloads are evidence of the shameful fact that child abuse is a widespread issue in Texas. All responsible Texans must do what they can to resolve this pervasive issue.
There are ways we can make a difference. Children's advocacy groups and social workers across the state work to create safe, happy and healthy environments for Texas' children, and, through education and awareness, to discourage child abuse. When abuse or neglect does occur, individual citizens have a duty to report it to the appropriate authorities.
Once again, the month of April has been designated for an educational campaign. At this time, I encourage all Texans to join me in renewing our commitment to preventing child abuse and learning what we each can do to promote the safety and well-being of children. Their success is Texas' success.
Therefore, I, Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim April 2009,
Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month
in Texas, and urge the appropriate recognition whereof.
In official recognition whereof, I hereby affix my signature this the 18"' day of February, 2009
That's great, Mr. Perry! Now can we change some laws to keep kids in the system from being abused in their foster homes?? Or make a system where this is less likely to occur than if we leave them in their abusive home?
The Pictures of Aba and Toben
Several of you have asked....so here ya go! The pictures in this post of Toben and Ava were taken at our local Sears. I learned a long time ago to take my own props...sometimes I have to help pose them, but this photographer was pretty good with that part. I love their coupons, and I can get them less expensive than if I printed them off at Wal-Mart...and I usually buy enough that I can get the disk fairly reasonable so then everyone can have what ever pictures they want!
My goal over Easter weekend is to get all the children in their white shirts and shorts over to a park that has amazing trees and take pictures...I have none of all four except Easter pitures last year! I am so behind!
My goal over Easter weekend is to get all the children in their white shirts and shorts over to a park that has amazing trees and take pictures...I have none of all four except Easter pitures last year! I am so behind!
Officially registered!
And here is what I will get to attend:
Breakout Session 1: 4/30/2009 11AM - 12PM - Practical Ideas for Church Adoption/Foster Care Ministries (Michael & Amy Monroe, Irving Bible Church) -
Breakout Session 2: 4/30/2009 2PM - 3PM - Starting In the Right Direction: Helping Pre-Adoptive Couples Make Sound Decisions (Joe Gerber, Loving Shepherd Ministries) -
Breakout Session 3: 4/30/2009 3:15PM - 4:15PM - Loving the Orphan – A Journey of Hope and Faith (Emily Chapman Richards, Shaohannah's Hope) -
Breakout Session 4: 5/1/2009 10:45AM - 11:45AM - Getting in the Way of Trouble: What Every Church Should Know When Intervening in the lives of Foster Children & Families (Chris Padbury, Project 1:27) -
Breakout Session 5: 5/1/2009 1:45PM - 2:45PM - NEW: Christian Adoption Agencies' Rights of Conscience in Placement Decisions (Brian Raum, Alliance Defense Fund Legal Counselor & Kelly Rosati, Sr. Director, Sanctity of Human Life, Focus on the Family) -
Breakout Session 6: 5/1/2009 3PM - 4PM - The Challenges and Changing Landscape of International Adoption (Brian Luwis, America World Adoption & Bill Blacquiere, Bethany Christian Services) -
And what I am sending John to:
Breakout Session 1: 4/30/2009 11AM - 12PM - Unleashing the Home: God’s Answer for Vulnerable Children (Dave Anderson, Safe Families) -
Breakout Session 2: 4/30/2009 2PM - 3PM - Accountability, ECFA and Christian Alliance for Orphans (Dan Busby, ECFA) -
Breakout Session 3: 4/30/2009 3:15PM - 4:15PM - Loving the Orphan – A Journey of Hope and Faith (Emily Richards, Shaohannah's Hope) -
Breakout Session 4: 5/1/2009 10:45AM - 11:45AM - Mobilizing the Local Church to Serve Children in Foster Care (Tom Lukasik, 4KIDS of South FL) -
Breakout Session 5: 5/1/2009 1:45PM - 2:45PM - The Financial Challenge of Adoption & How the Church Can Respond (Wendy Cosby, Shaohannah’s Hope; Jason Kovacs, ABBA Fund; Andy Lehman, Lifesong) -
Breakout Session 6: 5/1/2009 3PM - 4PM - Effective Strategies for Partnering with the Local Church (Jeff Walshauser, Christ Chapel Bible Church) -
5/2/2009 - Visit old friends in the Dallas area and process all we have just learned before returning home to chaos once again! :)
5/3/2009 - Return home to implement all we learned and impact the orphan crisis with the Kingdom of God!
Breakout Session 1: 4/30/2009 11AM - 12PM - Practical Ideas for Church Adoption/Foster Care Ministries (Michael & Amy Monroe, Irving Bible Church) -
Breakout Session 2: 4/30/2009 2PM - 3PM - Starting In the Right Direction: Helping Pre-Adoptive Couples Make Sound Decisions (Joe Gerber, Loving Shepherd Ministries) -
Breakout Session 3: 4/30/2009 3:15PM - 4:15PM - Loving the Orphan – A Journey of Hope and Faith (Emily Chapman Richards, Shaohannah's Hope) -
Breakout Session 4: 5/1/2009 10:45AM - 11:45AM - Getting in the Way of Trouble: What Every Church Should Know When Intervening in the lives of Foster Children & Families (Chris Padbury, Project 1:27) -
Breakout Session 5: 5/1/2009 1:45PM - 2:45PM - NEW: Christian Adoption Agencies' Rights of Conscience in Placement Decisions (Brian Raum, Alliance Defense Fund Legal Counselor & Kelly Rosati, Sr. Director, Sanctity of Human Life, Focus on the Family) -
Breakout Session 6: 5/1/2009 3PM - 4PM - The Challenges and Changing Landscape of International Adoption (Brian Luwis, America World Adoption & Bill Blacquiere, Bethany Christian Services) -
And what I am sending John to:
Breakout Session 1: 4/30/2009 11AM - 12PM - Unleashing the Home: God’s Answer for Vulnerable Children (Dave Anderson, Safe Families) -
Breakout Session 2: 4/30/2009 2PM - 3PM - Accountability, ECFA and Christian Alliance for Orphans (Dan Busby, ECFA) -
Breakout Session 3: 4/30/2009 3:15PM - 4:15PM - Loving the Orphan – A Journey of Hope and Faith (Emily Richards, Shaohannah's Hope) -
Breakout Session 4: 5/1/2009 10:45AM - 11:45AM - Mobilizing the Local Church to Serve Children in Foster Care (Tom Lukasik, 4KIDS of South FL) -
Breakout Session 5: 5/1/2009 1:45PM - 2:45PM - The Financial Challenge of Adoption & How the Church Can Respond (Wendy Cosby, Shaohannah’s Hope; Jason Kovacs, ABBA Fund; Andy Lehman, Lifesong) -
Breakout Session 6: 5/1/2009 3PM - 4PM - Effective Strategies for Partnering with the Local Church (Jeff Walshauser, Christ Chapel Bible Church) -
5/2/2009 - Visit old friends in the Dallas area and process all we have just learned before returning home to chaos once again! :)
5/3/2009 - Return home to implement all we learned and impact the orphan crisis with the Kingdom of God!
Don't want to...
I so need to be lysoling my whole house, but I so don't want to! I am so tired of sickness! That is really the only thing I can say I do not like about having a larger (ok, kind of large for those of you with truly large families)...when the stomach bug hits, it takes about two weeks to go through everyone...ok that and all the laundry on a regular basis! That means two weeks of puke and other bodily fluids! Ugh! Two more people to go, however, I am claiming this round over in Jesus Name! No more puke!!!!
Hope you were not eating lunch when you read this....sorry, should have had a warning with that post, huh?!
Hope you were not eating lunch when you read this....sorry, should have had a warning with that post, huh?!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
drum roll please......
I am going to the Orphan Summit at Irving Bible Church! I am so stoked! Nothing could have made my day more! I thought I had already missed it, but my friend Jody set me straight! I have tried all day to register but between calls from the Ambassador and getting ready for my meeting with my Congressman tomorrow, I haven't had a chance. So right now, at 11:30 pm, when I should be in bed, I am going to pick my break out sessions! John is going with me. We need a weekend away... and I need him to go to the sessions I can't attend!There are TONS of sessions on forming an adoption/foster ministry at your church. This is something that we were not allowed to do at our old church, but leadership of our new church seems to be open to...if you are reading this..Hint..Hint! :)
Seriously, though, I know this will be much needed encouragement and contacts to keep trekking on this journey that literally wears me out on a daily basis! Meeting with other Christians who have a passion for hurting children...here and over seas...will be a dream come true!
Off to register so that maybe I can get some sleep tonight! :)
I wonder if any reps from Save the Children will be there....hmmmmmmm........
I love my new church!
I cannot say enough good about my new church, Mid-Cities. It is not perfect - it is made up of people just like me. At some point, I will be offended or hurt while being there. It is a family, don't we always get hurt or offended by family? But when that happens, I will pray through it, and do as God directs! We work it out!
What do I love about it? Well, they love people! That is my heart, and I believe that is the heart of God! People! They are constantly seeking ways to take the the people in this family from where they are to the next step in their faith journey. Isn't that what it is all about? Aren't we all supposed to be growing from glory to glory? But the cool thing about Mid-Cities is that they don't just talk about it, they do it! Wow! What a concept! They don't have it all figured out. They don't have the road map or the 10 year plan...well, not as far as I know anyway. They just ask what the people need then try to get the tools in their hands as quickly as possible. We just joined a few weeks ago. Do you know one of the questions that was on the member information sheet? What is your dream for the Kingdom of God? Really???? They want to know what my dream is? They want to know what God is calling me to?? I went from a place that specifically told me, "We will walk with you as a person, but we will not walk with your ministry." That would be great if I knew how to separate the two, but as far as I know, I am one in the same. And now I have found a place that cares about what God is doing in the lives of the believers that He sends to them! Wow! What a marvelous concept.
Funny thing is, we visited Mid-Cities when we first moved to this area almost 5 years ago. I couldn't hack it. It was too much for me! I just wasn't ready spiritually. I still had God in a box! My box wasn't big enough for the God this church serves. That is a post for another time.
The leadership and the people of Mid-Cities believe in the power of God! I LOVE THAT! They pray expecting things to happen. They encourage us to pray expecting things to happen. They believe the sky is the limit as long as God is at the wheel. Praise God!
Daniel, our senior pastor, is younger than me. I love that too! But there are seasoned saints on staff as well. There is a balance! We need the ones who have been there and done that! Daniel is a wonderful teacher. If you want to hear some really practical sermons for walking with God, check out the website: www.midcities.org.
What do I love about it? Well, they love people! That is my heart, and I believe that is the heart of God! People! They are constantly seeking ways to take the the people in this family from where they are to the next step in their faith journey. Isn't that what it is all about? Aren't we all supposed to be growing from glory to glory? But the cool thing about Mid-Cities is that they don't just talk about it, they do it! Wow! What a concept! They don't have it all figured out. They don't have the road map or the 10 year plan...well, not as far as I know anyway. They just ask what the people need then try to get the tools in their hands as quickly as possible. We just joined a few weeks ago. Do you know one of the questions that was on the member information sheet? What is your dream for the Kingdom of God? Really???? They want to know what my dream is? They want to know what God is calling me to?? I went from a place that specifically told me, "We will walk with you as a person, but we will not walk with your ministry." That would be great if I knew how to separate the two, but as far as I know, I am one in the same. And now I have found a place that cares about what God is doing in the lives of the believers that He sends to them! Wow! What a marvelous concept.
Funny thing is, we visited Mid-Cities when we first moved to this area almost 5 years ago. I couldn't hack it. It was too much for me! I just wasn't ready spiritually. I still had God in a box! My box wasn't big enough for the God this church serves. That is a post for another time.
The leadership and the people of Mid-Cities believe in the power of God! I LOVE THAT! They pray expecting things to happen. They encourage us to pray expecting things to happen. They believe the sky is the limit as long as God is at the wheel. Praise God!
Daniel, our senior pastor, is younger than me. I love that too! But there are seasoned saints on staff as well. There is a balance! We need the ones who have been there and done that! Daniel is a wonderful teacher. If you want to hear some really practical sermons for walking with God, check out the website: www.midcities.org.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
God has a way...
...of keeping things in the forefront of our minds! I have posted several times about my desire for a baby. It comes and goes from time to time. Well, lately it has come and stayed! Nothing about life says now would be a good time...John says nothing about life says EVER would be a good time! :) He was done at one! But I have really had foster care on my mind! As I was looking at all these adoption situations that I wanted to be presented to, I looked at the price tags, and this little voice said, "Now what was it that stopped you from fostering? Wasn't it like $2,000 to put up that four foot fence and you stopped. Yet, you are still looking at adoptions that will cost you well over $20K?" He had me! I couldn't rationalize my way out of that one!
So I started really praying! I even made some inquiries on-line about pool fences..you know nothing personal, just filling in some forms so there is no commitment. Well, out of the blue one day at the office, one of the companies called with their Texas installer! So there it was again....the idea of fosterting. He quoted me a price that would be about $3,000. Out of the question! John will never go for that! He doesn't even want a fence around the pool anyway. I didn't either because we had a lab that already didn't have enough room, and that would have blocked her running space for sure. Well, three weeks ago, we sent her to a new home with a ton of space! So one more dilema solved.
I have become a new fan of Karen Kingsbury. My friend Anita introduced me to her books, and I am hooked! I only had 5 minutes at the library the other day before I had to pick up the kids, so I just grabbed two and ran. When I started reading one of them, When Joy Comes to Stay, guess what it is about? You guessed it...foster care! A mom who gave up a baby and is now fostering, and the baby she gave up that is now 8 and gets nearly beat to death by her foster mom! I am not finished with the book, but have just cried through most of it! Once again, fostering jumps out of nowhere!
CPS is not the way I would go. There will be a much greater risk of heartbreak (like adoption doesn't have enough in and of itself!)as odds are we will lose a few before we get to keep our child. We will have to take children who have been abused...love children who have not been loved. That can be very difficult. But if we don't, who will? That is what God keeps asking me. I look on the TARE websight almost daily. Did you know that in 2006 in Texas along, 1,700 children aged out?! That means 1,700 children left the foster system with no where to return to on Christmas or no home to go to if they fall on hard times. No where but the street or jail where over 75% of foster children end up! Body of Christ, what are we thining?! Who will be Jesus' hands and feet to these "Least of these" if we will not?
I don't know that in the end we will be able to foster to adopt. I don't know yet what John will hear from the Lord. But I know that even if we don't foster to adopt, God has this in the forefront of my mind for some reason! If it is not for us, then I will have to keep praying because it is just not acceptable to know that many children are hurting...right here in good 'ol America!
So I started really praying! I even made some inquiries on-line about pool fences..you know nothing personal, just filling in some forms so there is no commitment. Well, out of the blue one day at the office, one of the companies called with their Texas installer! So there it was again....the idea of fosterting. He quoted me a price that would be about $3,000. Out of the question! John will never go for that! He doesn't even want a fence around the pool anyway. I didn't either because we had a lab that already didn't have enough room, and that would have blocked her running space for sure. Well, three weeks ago, we sent her to a new home with a ton of space! So one more dilema solved.
I have become a new fan of Karen Kingsbury. My friend Anita introduced me to her books, and I am hooked! I only had 5 minutes at the library the other day before I had to pick up the kids, so I just grabbed two and ran. When I started reading one of them, When Joy Comes to Stay, guess what it is about? You guessed it...foster care! A mom who gave up a baby and is now fostering, and the baby she gave up that is now 8 and gets nearly beat to death by her foster mom! I am not finished with the book, but have just cried through most of it! Once again, fostering jumps out of nowhere!
CPS is not the way I would go. There will be a much greater risk of heartbreak (like adoption doesn't have enough in and of itself!)as odds are we will lose a few before we get to keep our child. We will have to take children who have been abused...love children who have not been loved. That can be very difficult. But if we don't, who will? That is what God keeps asking me. I look on the TARE websight almost daily. Did you know that in 2006 in Texas along, 1,700 children aged out?! That means 1,700 children left the foster system with no where to return to on Christmas or no home to go to if they fall on hard times. No where but the street or jail where over 75% of foster children end up! Body of Christ, what are we thining?! Who will be Jesus' hands and feet to these "Least of these" if we will not?
I don't know that in the end we will be able to foster to adopt. I don't know yet what John will hear from the Lord. But I know that even if we don't foster to adopt, God has this in the forefront of my mind for some reason! If it is not for us, then I will have to keep praying because it is just not acceptable to know that many children are hurting...right here in good 'ol America!
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